Is Yoga the Perfect Sleep Remedy? Experts Weigh in
Whether scrolling through Instagram, flipping through the self-care section of your local bookstore, or tuning into the latest podcast on personal development, the idea of yoga as a sleep solution is everywhere. But does it actually hold up? Could this centuries-old practice really be the key to unlocking a peaceful, restorative night’s sleep, or is it simply another wellness trend? We dive into the details of how yoga, relaxation rituals, and science intersect—and what this means for your sleep habits.
Sleep: The Elusive Goal
These days, good sleep is as rare as a unicorn. Tossing and turning, waking up in the middle of the night, or feeling groggy even after a full eight hours of rest have become the norm for far too many. Sleep has become a modern-day quest, and in this pursuit, many are turning to alternatives such as sleeping pills. Enter yoga. Promoted as a natural way to relax both body and mind, it promises soothing, deep breathing, and the kind of mindfulness that should, in theory, lead straight to the land of nod. But is it really that simple?
A Gentle Practice, Not a Miracle Cure
According to Livio Da Sanctis, a psychologist specializing in behavioral therapies and sleep expert, the hype around yoga should be tempered with some caution. “Yoga doesn’t cure insomnia,” he says firmly. “It’s not a magic bullet.” In his expert opinion, while yoga is certainly beneficial in preventing sleep disorders and can serve as a complementary treatment, yoga alone cannot resolve chronic sleep problems—especially when they stem from a complex set of causes: predispositions (a fragile sleep cycle, stress sensitivity), triggers (trauma, tough life periods), and perpetuating factors (bad habits, anxiety around bedtime).
That said, yoga’s role in supporting a better night’s sleep is undeniable when practiced in conjunction with good overall lifestyle habits. When combined with proper nutrition, regular sleep routines, and a reduction in stimulants, yoga can act as a safety valve—relaxing the body, lowering stress levels, and refocusing the mind.
The Right Kind of Yoga, At the Right Time
Not all yoga is created equal. Da Sanctis points out that there’s a range of practices—some are physically intense, nearly athletic, while others focus more on breathing or mindfulness. This is where the pitfalls often lie: certain types of yoga, if practiced at the wrong time of day, could actually disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle.
“For proper sleep, your body temperature needs to drop,” explains Da Sanctis. “Any form of physical activity—even moderate yoga—can raise that temperature, making it harder for you to fall asleep.” The solution? Stick to gentle practices that emphasize breathing and stretching, and aim to do them in the late afternoon, not at 10 p.m. Even a vigorous Vinyasa flow could backfire, stimulating rather than relaxing your body.
The true advantage of evening yoga isn’t just in the postures, but in the act of slowing down and setting aside time to unwind. In a world constantly obsessed with productivity and achievement, rolling out a yoga mat and simply closing your eyes can feel like a form of rebellion. It’s a decompressing pause between the chaos of the day and the tranquility of sleep. The results are palpable: muscle relaxation, a quieter nervous system, and deeper breathing. But perhaps the most important benefit of all? Yoga’s ability to bring you back to the present moment—a skill that eludes many of us who struggle with racing thoughts and restless nights.
Yoga: A Path to Better Sleep, Not a Cure-All
Let’s be clear: yoga is not a replacement for therapy or medical treatment for serious sleep disorders. But it can be a valuable entry point into improving your quality of life—and your sleep. It’s not a medication, but rather a habit that, when practiced consistently, creates a more conducive environment for sleep. As Da Sanctis wisely advises, “Don’t do it out of obligation. Yoga, like any wellness practice, should remain a pleasure. Otherwise, it just becomes another chore, and let’s face it—chores are the opposite of relaxing.”
So no, yoga isn’t a magic wand to solve all your sleep problems. But if practiced correctly, at the right time, and with the right intention, it can be a powerful tool for achieving the kind of restful, rejuvenating sleep we all crave.
First published on gqmagazine.fr
